A vibrant, spicy pesto is made with jalapeños, cilantro, basil, garlic, almonds, and parmesan. It is blended with olive oil and lime for a bold twist on a classic sauce.

Feature Standouts

Jalapeños

Sharp Heat with Grassy Notes: Fresh jalapeños are the star of this pesto. They provide a nuanced heat that is invigorating without being overwhelming. There are also subtle grassy undertones that add an earthy dimension. For a smokier, milder flavor, consider roasting the jalapeños before incorporating them into the pesto.

Cilantro

Fresh, Citrusy Brightness: Cilantro is crucial for its distinctive fresh and citrusy notes. It provides a bright counterpoint to the jalapeño’s heat. It also adds a layer of aromatic complexity. This complexity is characteristic of many Latin-inspired dishes.

Basil

Sweet, Peppery Herbal Depth: Jalapeños and cilantro take center stage. Basil provides a foundational sweet and peppery herbal depth. It grounds the more assertive flavors and connects this pesto to its traditional Italian roots.

Garlic

Pungent Backbone: Fresh garlic provides a robust backbone to the pesto. It’s pungent and contributes an essential savory element. This element ties all the other flavors together. Its sharpness is mellowed by the other ingredients, adding depth without overpowering.

Mustard Powder

Tangy Sharpness that Enhances Spice: A surprising but effective addition, mustard powder introduces a subtle tangy sharpness. It complements the other flavors and subtly enhances the perceived spice of the jalapeños. This creates a more dynamic taste experience.

Olive Oil

Smooth, Rich Base: High-quality olive oil forms the smooth and rich base of the pesto. It emulsifies the ingredients and carries the flavors beautifully. Its fruity and sometimes peppery notes add another layer of complexity.

Lime

Acidic Lift that Balances Richness: Fresh lime juice is indispensable for its acidic lift. It cuts through the richness of the olive oil and parmesan. It brightens the overall flavor profile. This prevents the pesto from feeling too heavy. It also helps to prevent browning if stored.

Almonds

Nutty Body and Texture: Toasted almonds contribute a delightful nutty body and a satisfying textural element to the pesto. Their subtle sweetness complements the other savory and spicy notes.

Parmesan

Salty Umami Depth: Grated Parmesan cheese provides a crucial salty umami depth. It adds a savory richness that rounds out the flavor profile. This gives the pesto a more luxurious feel.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST JALAPENO PESTO

Roast Jalapeños First for Smoky Flavor

For a deeper flavor, roast your jalapeños before adding them to the food processor. This provides a more complex taste. This will provide a slightly mellower heat. This process caramelizes their sugars and brings out a delicious smoky note that transforms the pesto. Simply halve them, remove seeds if desired, and roast until softened and slightly charred.

Swap Almonds for Walnuts or Cashews for Variety

While almonds are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other nuts. Walnuts will offer a slightly more earthy and bitter note. Cashews will provide a creamier, milder texture and flavor. This allows you to customize the pesto to your preference.

Freeze Leftovers in Ice Cube Trays for Quick Use

This pesto freezes beautifully! Portion any leftover pesto into ice cube trays and freeze. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to easily thaw individual portions for quick and convenient use in future meals.

Add Extra Lime Juice If Storing to Prevent Browning

The fresh lime juice brightens the flavor. It also acts as a natural antioxidant. If you plan on storing the pesto for more than a day or two, add a little extra lime juice. This can help prevent the herbs from browning. It also keeps the pesto looking vibrant. Always store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add a thin layer of olive oil on top for added protection.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Food processor

Cutting board

Chef knife

Mason jar, for storage

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO

GRILLED ASPARAGUS & SPINACH PESTO ROTELLE PASTA

RED WALNUT PESTO

CREAMY RIGATONI BUTTERY ROASTED BROCCOLI AND MUSHROOMS

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH

CHICKEN PARMESAN ALFREDO

ZA’ATAR BROILED SHRIMP & POTATOES + ORANGE PINK PEPPERCORN COCKTAIL SAUCE

STUFFED CHEESY SHELLS W/ GARDEN RAGU

RECIPE

Marissa Bolden

Jalapeño Pesto

A vibrant, spicy pesto made with jalapeños, cilantro, basil, garlic, almonds, and parmesan, blended with olive oil and lime for a bold twist on a classic sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 Jalapeños
• 1 Bunch Cilantro chopped
• 10 Basil Leaves
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Oregano:
• ¼ cup Almonds
• ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
• ½ cup Olive Oil
• 1-2 teaspoons Salt:
• 1 Lime squeezed

Method

 

1. Prepare the Jalapeños: Wash the jalapeños thoroughly. Carefully remove the stems. If you prefer a milder pesto, slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and white membranes. For more heat, leave them intact. Roughly chop the jalapeños to facilitate blending.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the prepared jalapeños, cilantro, basil leaves, fresh oregano, and almonds. Pulse several times until the ingredients are finely chopped but not yet a paste. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add Cheese and Blend: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor. Continue to pulse until the mixture is well combined and has a crumbly texture.
4. Emulsify with Olive Oil: With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube. Continue to process until the pesto reaches your desired consistency – smooth but still with some texture. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even blending.
5. Season and Finish: Once the desired consistency is achieved, add the salt and lime. Pulse a few more times to incorporate these ingredients fully. Taste the pesto and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt for flavor or lime for brightness.
6. Storage: Transfer the finished jalapeño pesto to an airtight container. To prevent browning and maintain freshness, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the pesto before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED